Idaho gas prices take holiday dive

It took a while, but Idahoans are finally getting some substantial relief at the pump, according to Idaho's AAA.

The automobile and travel association says Gem State gas prices are nowhere near the lowest in the country, but a 26-cent decline in the past 30 days is the nation's biggest.

"Lower prices are a welcome relief for Idahoans who are juggling tight budgets during the holiday season," said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson.

Based on AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, www.fuelgaugereport.aaa.com, Idaho's average price for regular grade gasoline today is $3.15, down 26 cents in the past month and well below the $3.43 average price from a year ago.

The U.S. average price today is $3.20, up six cents from a month ago and five cents higher than the Idaho average.

Three states have average prices less than $3 a gallon: Missouri at $2.91, Oklahoma at $2.96 and Kansas at $2.99.

AAA Idaho said the last time Idaho's average price was this low was Jan. 30 of this year.

Retail gas prices nationwide moved lower following the end of the summer driving season in September and Thanksgiving, as plentiful supplies, flat demand, and falling crude oil prices combined for welcome and often dramatic relief for motorists.

Idaho gasoline prices, which were substantially lower than the U.S. average during the first five months of the year, moved higher for the next six months. Among the nation's highest, Idaho's average price was frequently 20 to 30 cents higher than the U.S. mark during that time.

"This year has been a roller coaster ride for consumers," Carlson said. "After six months at the top of loop, it's nice to be near the bottom."

The other state noting the second-biggest decline in the past month is Utah, with a 21-cent-per-gallon decline. Much of the gasoline sold in southern Idaho is refined in Utah.

Here's a look at gas prices at selected Idaho cities: Boise, $3.19; Coeur d'Alene, $2.93; Idaho Falls, $2.91; Lewiston, $3.23; Nampa $3.22; Pocatello, $3.13; Twin Falls, $3.22.